Adobo Yarn
The podcast is about navigating the migrant life as Filipinos in Australia, discussing culture, food, experiences and adventures. "Adobo" represents the rich and layered nature of the human experience. Just like adobo can be adapted with different ingredients and methods, our lives are a blend of diverse influences made rich through the stories and culture that we bring and the new traditions that we create. "Yarn" symbolises the sharing of stories and experiences. We are weaving a narrative together, connecting with each other through the threads of our personal histories and perspectives.”
Ep 17 - Adobo, BBQs and Dads
Papa, Dad, Tatay. In the tapestry of our lives, our fathers are the strong threads that hold everything together. This episode tells a tale of two Father's Days, separated by sea and several months on the calendar.
Join Anna and Razel as they compare the sun-drenched Australian Father's Day in September with the heartfelt Filipino celebration in June. It’s a conversation that connects the sizzle of an Aussie sausage to the warmth of a Filipino adobo feast. Discover how, despite different traditions and dates, the yarn of love for our fat...
Ep 16 - Adobo Standards and Fave Eats
In this episode, Anna and Razel take listeners on a delicious journey through Australia's Filipino food scene. They share their favourite picks for Filipino restaurants in Sydney, from hidden gems to well-known favourites in other states.
The main dish on the table? A spicy debate: should adobo be standardised like Italy's famous Margherita Pizza (Pizza Napoletana) or France's protected Champagne? Taking off from the 2021 campaign from the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Philippine Standards to develop the Philippine National Standards for Filipino dishes, such as adobo.<...
Ep 15 - Menopause & The "We Do Not Care" Movement
Join Razel and Anna for a raw and intimate yarn into the often-misunderstood world of menopause, sharing their personal journeys and the experiences of women around them. In this candid conversation, they explore the physical and emotional realities of this life stage and discuss the societal pressures and expectations that often accompany it.
The episode also highlights the groundbreaking "We Do Not Care" movement spearheaded by Instagram sensation Melani Sanders. Discover how this powerful movement is challenging outdated narratives, empowering women to embrace menopause without shame, and fostering a community of unapologetic self-acceptance.
R...
Ep 14 - The Balikbayan Journey: Old Memories, New Realities
What's it like to be a balikbayan? Join Anna and Razel as they chat about the balikbayan experience, exploring what it truly means to be a Filipino migrant returning home. This episode travels from their childhood memories of eagerly awaiting those treasure-filled balikbayan boxes from relatives abroad, to their present-day realities of navigating that same journey themselves. Razel shares stories from her recent trip, including the often-comedic dance through Manila's airport security, and the surprising customs conundrum that allows delicious bukayo into Australia, but sadly, not everyone's beloved longganisa. Tune in for relatable tales of c...
Ep 13 - Aussie Slang: Our Migrant Guide to "Straya"
Confused by "Maccas"? Baffled by "bush tucker"? Anna and Razel spill the beans on Aussie slang! In this episode, your favourite migrant hosts share their funniest encounters and biggest revelations about Australian colloquialisms.
From "arvo" to "drongo," "suss it out" to "chuck a U-ey," they share their own personal blunders and laugh-out-loud moments as migrants navigating this distinctive lingo and new ways of understanding culture. Discover how learning (or misinterpreting!) these everyday phrases has shaped their sense of belonging, and why "no worries" is more than just a phrase – it's a way of life. Tune in for a f...
Ep 12 - Bahay Kubo: A Symbol of Resilience and Heritage
Part of our tribute and celebration of June as PH Independence Month, join Anna and Razel for a fun and reflective journey into the iconic Bahay Kubo. More than just a simple nipa hut, this humble dwelling embodies the very essence of Filipino resilience, community, and ingenuity.
In this episode, we'll explore the Bahay Kubo as a physical structure – from its practical design and natural materials to its enduring presence throughout Philippine history. We'll delve into its origins, understanding how this traditional folk song, often learned by heart in ch...
Ep 11 - More Than a Monument: Filipino Heroes Across Generations
Did you know that the Philippines was sold for US$20M through the 1898 Treaty of Paris???
As the Philippines and Filipino communities around the world prepares to celebrate Independence Day on June 12th, the name Jose Rizal rightfully takes centre stage. But what if heroism runs deeper than just one monument?
Join Anna and Razel, as they delve into the rich and diverse mosaic of Filipino heroes beyond Rizal. Both will challenge conventional definitions of heroism, unearthing stories of bravery and sacrifice from history's u...
Ep 10 - Don't sweep at night and other wild Pinoy oddities
Ever wonder why you shouldn't cut your nails at night? Or why dropping a spoon means a female visitor?
Anna and Razel are here to unravel the mysteries (and outright absurdities!) of superstitions in this super fun episode. We'll share hilarious tales of global superstitions, then take a deep dive into the wonderfully weird and sometimes illogical beliefs that make up Filipino folklore. Prepare for some major head-scratching, belly laughs, and maybe even a realisation that you've been doing something "bad luck" your whole life!
Tune in and discover the fascinating (and sometimes illogical) world of...
Ep 9 - The Language of Love: A Mother's Day Conversation
In this episode, Anna and Razel open their hearts as they reminisce about their own mothers and the carers who shaped their childhood and share their unique experiences as mums raising families in Australia.
Listen to the intriguing history of this special day and explore the diverse ways motherhood is celebrated around the world.
Plus, prepare for some heartwarming moments as Anna and Razel read listener submissions filled with love, gratitude, humour and personal stories from mothers and for mothers. It's a sentimental and thought-provoking episode celebrating mothers in all their wonderful forms.
<...Ep 8 - Unwrapping Memories: Filipino Snacks, Then and Now
Mabuhay! In this episode Anna and Razel are diving into the treasure trove of Filipino snacks that shaped their childhoods and continue to bring them comfort in Australia.
Listen in and join us on a delicious journey through the world of some well-loved Filipino snacks! We'll trace the origins and evolution of beloved bites like the shortbread texture of polvoron, the delicate crisp of Lengua de Gato to the addictive Clover Chips, the sweet, boat-shaped goodness of boat tarts, and the familiar favourites like flaky Hopia, creamy
Ep 7 - Lenten reflections. From pasyon to hot cross buns
Join Anna and Razel in this episode as they unravel the ritual of Lent for Filipinos, both in the Philippines and in their new home, Australia.
Journey back with them as they share cherished childhood memories of observing Holy Week traditions in the Philippines, from the solemn chanting of the Pasyon to the joyful dawn celebration of Salubong, the reflective pilgrimage of Visita Iglesia and what it meant for them as young people and now as bearers of traditions for their families.
Then, the conversation sh...
Ep 6 - Star margarine dreams & Vegemite schemes
Buckle up, Adobo Yarn listeners, because Anna and Razel are about to take your tastebuds on a wild ride!
This week, we're diving headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of Star Margarine – the yellow tub that fuelled their Filipino childhoods and sparked a thousand "pampatangkad" fantasies. Then, prepare for a cultural curveball: the mighty Vegemite, that dark, pungent enigma that greeted them like a salty slap in the face upon migrating to Australia.
Get ready for some seriously funny first-time Vegemite reactions (captured live during our online taste test, cha...
Ep 05 - From kitchen to keyboard - stirring ingredients and stories
Food blogging in the olden days LOL!
In this second part episode on the topic of food, Razel and Anna pulled back the curtain on their personal food adventures. They met each other in the multiverse that is social media, through their love of food.
Finding comfort in the kitchen while juggling parenthood and everything that goes with their new surrounds as a migrant family. Both shared how they found inspiration in everyday cooking and discovered a creative outlet for self expression and cultural connection.
When we move to a new...
Ep 04 - Taste of home and the thread of belonging
If you were a Filipino dish, what dish are you and why?
Reminiscing through stories of familiar flavours, sparking vivid memories of childhood kitchens and cherished family gatherings and how these culinary touchstones becomes anchors in a new land - join Anna and Razel in this episode to explore the many ways food acts as bridge between past and present, from our home land to our adopted country. From the comforting sinigang to sinampalukan to estofado, to learning new ways to eat avocado - not in fruit shake form!
<...EP 03 - Bayanihan at home: sharing is caring!
From bayanihan to balancing acts! In this episode, we're talking chores: migrant experiences, parenting hacks, and raising responsible adults.
Laba or plancha? Laundry or ironing?
Anna and Razel share this candid conversation on parenting and the often-contentious topic of chores. They also went into memory lane, reminiscing their own childhood responsibilities helping in the home front from plancha (ironing) to bunot (floor scrubbing). They share home strategies, the importance of conversation and teamwork plus the challenges of instilling good habits on their kids.
EP 02 - Filo lunchboxes, parties and Razel's search for Friends
A seemingly insignificant detail in the grand scheme of things, but for immigrant families, they become a canvas for cultural expression, a battleground for acceptance and sometimes, a source of anxiety. The multicultural lunchbox!
Anna and Razel unpack the emotional layers of this daily ritual, reminiscing the challenge of the school lunchbox. They also chat about the refreshing surprise of Aussie children's birthday parties. And as typical of these two, some off tangent yarn on Friends - yes that American TV series and Squid Games.
Listen along and share with us how you navigated this rit...
EP01 - Crappy audio and first encounters
Yeah we know, the audio is crap! But we are here and welcoming you all to the pilot episode of Adobo Yarn!
Razel and Anna share their experience arriving one fine winter day, many moons ago as migrants, and chat about the many firsts in their new home country. From airport chaos to finding a job, understanding the public school system, simple Aussie terms and everything in between.
Listen along and tell us in the comments about your own experience and even suggest a topic that's close to you heart! We might even invite you t...
Welcome to Adobo Yarn! Intro
Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, perimeno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!
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